News and Updates

April 21, 2015

Get to Know Your Neighbor: Spotlight on Barry Brantley from Carrollton

by Laura A. Mellem, Neighborhood Liaison
Filed under: capacity building, neighborhood spotlight

How long have you lived in the Carrollton neighborhood?

I've lived in New Orleans since November 1994, a little over 20 years now.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I enjoy the quaintness of Carrollton. In my opinion, it's the “Mayberry” area of the city where almost everything you need is walkable: parks, public transportation, shopping, great restaurants, lively entertainment and longstanding neighbors.  In less than 10 minutes you can be downtown or in the French Quarter. Beautiful Oak boughs, river paths and family friendly parks provide safe temptations to get outside and enjoy the city.

What successes have you had in the Carrollton/Riverbend Neighborhood Association?

Since 2006, we have completed a short annual survey of our members through Survey Monkey to provide guidance to the CRNA leadership. We also host an Open House to invite neighbors to volunteer for committees and/or learn more about the goals for the coming year. Our association has grown significantly over the past few years with improvements in social networks. We have just under 300 registered members but well over 400 viewers in our Facebook and web blogs at www.crna-Nola.org through Wordpress.

I believe engagement and awareness of neighbors in Carrollton has improved too. While we have a diverse collection of subgroups representing different priorities for improvement, I believe the discussions are healthy, forward thinking and sincere. In my role of president for the association, I have learned more about the silos created over the past years due to low trust, and or participation. Understanding and respect are the first steps in my opinion to moving forward.

We've held a few community town forums this past year regarding education and community service needs that I believe provided direct priorities for developers in Carrollton. We've held a few social events like outdoor family movie nights, community gatherings and look to add neighborhood business after hour events.

Do you have any upcoming events or projects?

Our annual CRNA Membership meeting is Thursday, June 11th at Central  St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1333 South Carrollton Avenue, 6-8 pm.

We are working with the New Orleans School Board regarding preservation opportunities of the Carrollton Courthouse, state legislators regarding a Carrollton Community Center and the Lycee Francais Charter School in the development of the former Priestly Middle School site. There are several private nonprofits in Carrollton such as Community Commitment, Inc.,  Leonidas House and several community gardens in which we  applaud their contributions and important role in Carrollton.

What advice would you give to other neighborhood leaders?

  • Understand and follow the bylaws of your organization.
  • Recruit and engage stakeholders
  • Hold yourself and your leadership accountable. Trust and transparency are necessary.
  • Add fun events to your schedule for the community. Movie nights, potluck meals, business open houses, etc. are all ways to bring community members together, even if it's 8-10 people at a time.